Pigeon Page
Especially the birds that have chosen to make their homes with me.
There's a lot on this page...
that live with Feathers (click here)
In Memoriam
Unlike many folks who keep pigeons, our birds are not kept for racing, show, breeding, or food. We keep them because we enjoy their company and feel privileged that they have become a part of our lives. In certain cases living with human providers has been the bird's only chance for continued survival. (By the way - we mean in no way to denegrate people who keep pigeons for other reasons - so long as the birds are treated well).
Responsibility to wildlife -
We encourage all humans to find out as much as they can about birds and other wildlife and to assist where they feel qualified. Please note that we heartily discourage the removal of native species from their environs unless absolutely necessary. If you find you must keep a rescued animal you will need to obtain a permit (I'm not a stickler for regulation - far from it - but believe me it saves a lot of headaches latter on) from the state and federal government. Conversely, please never, never release captive bred or otherwise human reliant animals into the wild - it is a death sentence for the animal and a potential risk the the environment. (If you feel you cannot take care of the animal find someone who can - there are unwanted pet havens as well as individuals who are interested -email me, I'll find some for you).
About Pigeons -
Pigeons are not cage birds in the traditional sense - they need ample space to fly and peck and in general act like pigeons. They are highly intellegent, sociable, and make excellent companion birds with patience and gentle handling.(trust us on that one). If you can deal with "poop", then you will find them to be otherwise completely non-destructive to your household. Pigeons, like other more traditional companion birds, will bond to their human providers in time, exhibiting a loyalty not unlike that of a faithful dog.
Pigeons are stupid. FALSE In fact, pigeons are highly intelligent. Pigeons have been used for centuries to carry messages. They have been taught to recognize the letters of the alphabet. They can recognize and bond to individual humans or other animals. They are also capable of navigating back to their homes over hundreds or even thousands of miles, even if they have not seen the terrain.
Pigeons are dirty. FALSE Given their choice, pigeons bathe as often as possible. My birds often bathe more than once a day. Pigeons spend a great deal of time arranging their feathers until they are just right and will remove any that are unacceptable (preening).
Pigeons carry disease. FALSE At least this is no more true of pigeons than any other animal, humans included. Nonetheless, in dealing with any animal, proper sanitary conditions and habits must be observed.
Pigeons mate for life. TRUE As a culture, we would do well to emulate them (here I am on my soap box again - oh, well...). Once bonded, a mated pair will be seperated only by death or unforseen circumstance
beyond their control.
Pigeons are a type of dove. TRUE In fact, the doves mentioned in the Bible were probably rock doves (columba livia) or what we think of as pigeons, rather than the typical white "Christmas card dove", which is actually a result of selective breeding.
The earliest mention of pigeon keeping dates back to the fourth Egyptian dynasty (about 2600 B.C.) Pigeons may very well be man's first domesticated animal.
Their are 200 breeds of domesticated pigeons and about 1250 varieties !
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) mentions the keeping of pigeons as a sport. Pigeons were already used for the carrying of messages in Athens at the time.
Pigeons have comparitively long life spans for small birds. Under favorable conditions they should easily reach their 20's. Some live into their 30's. (Keeping even one pigeon, as with other companion birds, can and should be a long term committment.)
Pigeons are capable of remembering places and terrain they visited years ago. Probably photographic memory of some kind.
No one is certain how pigeons come by their famous navigational skills. It is generally believed they are capable of sensing the earth's magnetic field. They may also navigate in part visually, although they are still capable of finding their way in dense fog.
Pigeons are among the world's swiftest flyers, some having been clocked at speeds in excess of 75 mph.
Pigeons live on every continent accept Antarctica
Do's and Don'ts...
DO look differently at pigeons next time you see them in your town or city.
DON'T consider making pigeons (or any animal) a part of your life until you fully understand and accept the responsibility.
DO obtain all neccesary permits and permissions from the local and national authorities.
DON'T remove animals from the wild unless necessary for their survival.
DO consider adopting animals from your local shelter.
DON'T keep pigeons or other birds in cages that do not allow them room to flap around and excercise... don't be a bird jailer!
DO drive carefully... look out for fellow humans and furry, fuzzy, feathered things on the road ways. Especially in the winter, animals are drawn closer to the habitats of man because food is in short supply. Pigeons, by the way, are almost always found near humans. Perhaps they like us.
DO ESPECIALLY consider with gratitude and awe the beauty of all of God's creation. Treat your fellow Earth-dwellers with respect.